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The Weight Influenced Self-Esteem Questionnaire (WISE-Q): factor structure and psychometric properties
Kathryn Trottier1, Traci McFarlane, Marion P Olmsted
1Department of Psychiatry, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2C4. Kathryn.Trottier@uhn.ca
Body Image
|October 17, 2012
Summary
Weight-based self-esteem (WBSE) is central to eating disorders. The Weight Influenced Self-Esteem Questionnaire (WISE-Q) effectively measures this, showing reliability and improvement with treatment.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Eating Disorder Research
Background:
- Weight-based self-esteem (WBSE) is a proposed core cognitive feature of eating disorders.
- A negatively perceived body image significantly impacts multiple self-esteem dimensions, considered an aspect of WBSE.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the factor structure, reliability, and concurrent validity of the Weight Influenced Self-Esteem Questionnaire (WISE-Q).
- To further investigate the validity of the WISE-Q by examining score changes during treatment for eating disorders.
Main Methods:
- Study 1: Factor analysis, reliability testing (internal consistency, test-retest), and concurrent validity assessment of the WISE-Q in eating disorder and undergraduate samples.
- Study 2: Examination of WISE-Q score changes in relation to treatment progress.
Main Results:
- The WISE-Q demonstrated a two-factor structure: generalized and expected WBSE.
- The questionnaire exhibited good internal and test-retest reliability.
- Correlations with other constructs aligned with predictions, and WISE-Q scores improved with treatment, though remained elevated.
Conclusions:
- The WISE-Q is a reliable and valid measure for assessing weight-based self-esteem in individuals with eating disorders.
- The findings support the role of WBSE in eating disorders and highlight its persistence even after treatment.
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